I've got a boatload of cherries...

[Johntodd]

...and nothing else but Danstar Nottingham. Can I ferment the cherries into wine with the Notty?

 

[WI_Wino]

What type of cherries and what's a boatload? Do you know what brix they are at?

 

[Johntodd]

Unfortunately I know nothing about them. They are the cherries planted here years ago by the birds. They are moderately sweet, slightly tart.

A boatload is about 10 gallons in ziploc bags.

So where are you going with this? Should I brew up a 'wort' or 'must' and aim for a certain SG? I don't mind adding sugar if needed.

 

[meatcleaver]

personally, I'd freeze em & order a good wine yeast that will preserve the varietal character.
then I'd make a nice cherry wine as per jack Keller's instructions.
http://winemaking.jackkeller.net

 

[Johntodd]

That sounds good, I'll do that.

 

[RevKev]

Or you could do a Belgium Quad or sour ale and rack onto the cherries.

But with a wine definitely get a wine yeast.

 

[Queequeg]

Cherry stout would be my choice

 

[treacheroustexan]

I second the cherry stout!

 

[ten80]

You probably have enough cherries for multiple brewing projects. I've used 1-2 lbs of cherries per gallon of beer before with good success. In addition to what is mentioned above you could do a ~5-6% ABV saison with low hopping racked onto the cherries for 3-6 months, with or without Brett added depending on your preference. A cherry mead is another good use!

Cherries seem to be a good fruit to leave beer, mead, or cider on for extended aging.


EDIT: Given that you have Nottingham on hand, I'd say a cherry stout is your best bet, as some have suggested above!

 

[harrke]

Get some Maraschino Liquor and make Maraschino Cherries. Delicious!